The Village of Sayward is looking to reduce its village council quorum from three councillors to two.
The village published a statement on Oct. 15, saying the village took an "extraordinary step and filed a petition in the Supreme Court of British Columbia and in the Victoria Registry" to make this happen.
According to the statement, the reduction is an effort to assist the council in carrying out village council members' duties and responsibilities effectively under Community Charter section 115 and provide the village and village council authority to control their processes and fulfill their responsibilities pursuant to Community Charter sections 4, 7, 114, 115, and 117.
"This is a step in the right direction to restore order, civility, and professionalism to the village, and most importantly, to enable the village council to carry out the work that the residents and electorate of the village expect and deserve," reads the statement.
As a small community, the village is facing economic and transitional changes. In order to support economic development, seize grant opportunities, and advance the village's strategic plan and priorities, including the asset management plan, it is imperative that the council be able to carry out its work. The long-term stability of the village is at risk if the council is unable to carry out its responsibilities and make decisions."
The state further says the village council has struggled to function effectively since the last election. Two councillors have resigned since the 2022 election. Tom Tinsley rendered his resignation in May 2024. Another former councillor, Kohen Gilkin, resigned earlier in March.
Tinsley said the stress of the job "no longer allows him to maintain his health while meeting other obligations personally and professionally," in a resignation letter. His resignation left the council with only three people: two councillors and the mayor.
Gilkin posted on Facebook after his resignation.
"I can no longer see myself contributing to our municipality in the current state we find our selfs (sic) in. We have been subject to turmoil almost straight out of the 2022 election, fighting, tearing our relationships apart amongst each other, and send an embarrassing message to our constituents.
The division amongst council is far to deep to save, in my opinion. My vision has been blurred with anger, frustration, disappointment, and sadness, with the current way council is conducting itself."
2022 was Gilkin's first election to council, only 18 when he was elected. He also received the highest amount of votes.
"I cannot sit around and watch this council continue to fester into a more toxic environment than it already is," Gilkin wrote on Facebook. "I must watch at a distance because I cannot stay here and go in circles of the arguments, the yelling, the childish behaviour, and the constant embarrassment displayed. It has become that of a toxic, and unhealthy workplace, one that has lost many good employees and elected officials over the years."
The Village of Sayward's statement said hosting a by-election to replace the two councillors required significant amounts of time and resources.
"As this matter is now before the courts, the village has no further comment at this time," concludes this statement.
